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McKENZIE — Coach Rusty Thompson (288-229-3) enters his twelfth season as the Bethel Wildcat skipper. Coach Thompson and his staff are excited as well as confident about the 2019 season. Assistant Coach Nick Thompson enters his twelfth season while Lee Whitaker will be entering his second year as a Bethel assistant coach.
Axel Cruz returns to the Wildcat family as a student assistant after competing with the Milwaukee Brewers organization; Axel plans to graduate from Bethel with a degree in Fitness and Wellness in May. The Wildcat coaching staff looks forward to competing in the always competitive Southern States Athletic Conference which is recognized as one of the best in the nation.
Bethel returns five starters from the 2018 campaign, two of those are seniors and each looking to contribute significantly once again.
Additionally, the Wildcats return six pitchers from last year’s squad which proved to be one of the strongest pitching staffs in the country. Trevor Bishop finished 1st in the nation for walks allowed. The Wildcats also return several players who platooned giving them good exposure and experience. The recruiting class appears to be a dominant group for the upcoming season. New talent will fill the voids from the previous season and help propel a complete 2019 Wildcat team to successfully compete at the highest level of baseball in the NAIA.
Pitchers
Trevor Bishop, a three-year conference starter and 2nd team SSAC All-Conference member returns for his senior season in the rotation. Bishop looks to build upon his award-winning career and continue to be the anchor of the pitching staff. Newcomer Giovannie Nieves Ortiz from Puerto Rico looks to make an immediate impact to the Wildcat pitching staff. Gio, who transferred from Wabash Valley Community College was named to the Junior College National Team and competed this summer in the American JUCO tournament. Seniors Bretton Hazelwood and Austin Elrod, sophomore Brandon Degnagard along with newcomer Junior Danny Lara look to compete for weekend starting roles. Seniors Billy Price and Ryan Robertson both excelled last season out of the bullpen and will be looked to help hold down the middle innings of games. Additionally, newcomers freshman Andrew Threatt and junior Antonio Costas will provide quality arms in the backend of games. Costas held the closer role at Vol State and his experience will provide a solid anchor for the Wildcat pitching staff.
Catchers